The 25 European and British Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), scattered across oceans from the Arctic to the tropics, are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Hurricanes, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss threaten these territories, making climate finance an essential tool to support their resilience and sustainable energy transition.
The European Union, through the Green Overseas Programme under its Global Gateway Strategy, and the United Kingdom are committed to enhancing the climate and energy strategies of these territories, supporting them in accessing the necessary funds for meaningful action.
In response to the urgent needs of the OCTs under the Green Overseas Programme, a 5-day forum will take place from 7 October to 11 October at the Brussels European Quarter.
This event will bring together over 130 participants, including climate finance experts, government officials, private sector representatives, civil society members, and youth networks. Notable speakers include Aholotu Palu (Tonga’s Ministry of Finance), Bianca Peters (liaison for Bonaire, Saba, and Statia), Denis Ehrsam (Wallis and Futuna Chamber of Commerce), Jason Cotton (Caribbean Development Bank), and experts from leading organisations such as the World Bank and WWF International.
The forum's goal is to strengthen cooperation between territories and develop operational strategies and roadmaps for accessing financing to promote climate change resilience and energy transition. This work will result in the creation of framework documents, which will later be presented by the Green Overseas Programme team and its partners, allowing the OCTs to have their voices heard at future international events.
The forum will offer a wide range of meetings and activities designed to facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge. Plenary sessions, roundtable discussions, interactive workshops, think tanks, and networking opportunities will allow participants to identify common challenges, develop innovative solutions, and establish a shared framework to advance climate action in the OCTs.
Agenda
You will find the detailed programme in the related documents below.
- Day 1Introduction to climate finance (Charlemagne building)
The Forum will begin with an introduction to climate finance tailored to the OCTs, covering topics such as access to funding and building financial resilience.
- Day 2Climate finance in practice (Charlemagne building)
An overview of best practices for strengthening climate-focused financial management and financing resilience in the OCTs.
- Day 3Accessing climate finance (Albert Borschette Conference Centre)
An exploration of strategies and participation in interactive exercises to access and optimize climate finance opportunities in the OCTs.
- Day 4Showcasing climate finance innovations (Albert Borschette Conference Centre)
A look at cutting-edge innovations and mechanisms to improve financial resilience and private finance in the OCTs.
- Day 5Shaping the future of climate finance in the OCTs (Albert Borschette Conference Centre)
Collaborative work on a common agenda to advance climate finance in the OCTs and to develop a set of shared recommendations to be presented at international events (UNFCCC COP29 and 30, UNOC…).